Effortless Blueberry (or Cherry) Cheesecake

Summary

Discover the ultimate easy-to-make Blueberry (or Cherry) Cheesecake that even a novice can master. With a prep time of just 20 minutes and a baking time of 55 minutes, this recipe is perfect for those who want a delicious dessert without the hassle. Learn how to create a delectable graham cracker crust and a creamy, tangy filling topped with your choice of blueberry or cherry pie filling. Perfect for any occasion, this cheesecake is sure to impress!

Ingredients

Crust

• 2 packages of graham crackers (18 cracker sheets)
• 1/2 cup (1 stick) butter or margarine

Batter

• 8 ounces of cream cheese (softened)
• 1 egg
• 1 can (14 ounces) sweetened condensed milk
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 1 can (21 ounces) of blueberry or cherry pie filling

Instructions

Preparing the Crust

1. Crush the Graham Crackers: Place 4 or 5 graham cracker sheets at a time into a sturdy plastic freezer bag and crush them using a rolling pin.
2. Mix with Butter: Transfer the crushed graham crackers into a medium-sized bowl. Pour melted butter or margarine over the crumbs and mix thoroughly.
3. Press into Pan: Press the mixture into a 9x13 ungreased pan to form the crust.

Making the Batter

1. Beat Cream Cheese and Milk: Use an electric mixer to beat the softened cream cheese and sweetened condensed milk until smooth, which should take about 1-2 minutes.
2. Add Lemon Juice and Egg: Add the lemon juice and egg to the mixture and beat on high speed for another minute.
3. Pour Over Crust: Pour the batter over the prepared graham cracker crust.
4. Add Pie Filling: Drop spoonfuls of the blueberry or cherry pie filling into the batter at evenly spaced intervals.

Baking

1. Bake: Preheat your oven to 300°F (150°C) and bake the cheesecake for 55 minutes.
2. Cool and Store: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely before cutting. Store in the refrigerator.

Interesting Facts and Stats

• Cheesecake Origins: Cheesecake dates back to ancient Greece, where it was served to athletes during the first Olympic Games in 776 B.C. (Source).
• Popularity: According to a survey by the American Pie Council, cheesecake is one of the top 5 favorite desserts in the United States.
• Blueberry Benefits: Blueberries are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, making them a healthy addition to your dessert (Source).

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

Tips for Success

• Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure that the cream cheese is at room temperature for easier mixing.
• Even Distribution: Drop the pie filling evenly to ensure each slice has a good amount of fruit.
• Cooling Time: Allow the cheesecake to cool completely to set properly before serving.

Conclusion

This easy Blueberry (or Cherry) Cheesecake is a delightful dessert that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor. Perfect for any occasion, it’s sure to become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the creamy texture and the burst of fruity goodness in every bite!

For more delicious recipes and baking tips, visit Food Network and AllRecipes.